Airworthy and "Near Airworthy" Constellations

Airworthy and "Near" Airworthy Constellations and Super Constellations


The purpose of this page is to give the reader a "snapshot" status of airworthy and "near" airworthy Constellations and Super Constellations. This information is constantly evolving and any updates or corrections you might have would be greatly appreciated and may be emailed to me.
Thanks...Ralph M. Pettersen


HB-RSC (N73544) C-121C Former Camarillo Connie was flown to Switzerland in April 2004 and jointly operated by the Constellation Historical Society (CHS) and Super Constellation Historical Society (SCFA) until April 2007 when it was purchased by SCFA and re-registered HB-RSC. Aircraft was an active participant in the European airshow circuit until grounded by the discovery of wing corrosion in January 2010. Repairs completed in April 2011, when the aircraft was repainted before rejoining the airshow circuit. Maintenance issues forced cancellation of the 2017 and 2018 airshow seasons and new FOCA requirements, including a CHF 20 million spar repair, forced the organization to disband in April 2019. The aircraft was sold to German investment group July 1, 2019 with the goal of restoring the airworthiness of aircraft. Meirer Motors will be spearheading the project and aircraft was disassembled during August/September 2019. It was moved by road to Eschbach-Bremgarten in southwestern Germany on November 27, 2019. Restoration never happened and aircraft advertised for sale in April 2023. Here's a couple of videos from happier times. One from inside the aircraft and one from outside.
Additional aircraft information

VH-EAG C-121C Restored in Tucson, AZ by the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society from 1992 to 1995 and flown to Australia in February 1996. Aircraft currently airworthy and an active participant in the Australian airshow circuit. Here's a video that catches her in action.
Additional aircraft information

N749NL (48-612) VC-121A Restored by the Dutch Aviodrome at Avra Valley Airport, Tucson, AZ in 2001/2002 and flown to Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands in September 2002. Painted in 1950 s era KLM colors and Curtis Electric props replaced with Hamilton Standard props. Flown to Aviodrome in Lelystad when the #3 engine failed on July 5, 2004. Engine replaced and aircraft made airworthy in May 2009 for an anticipated flight but museum management made last minute decision to ground the aircraft. Aviodrome filed for bankruptcy in December 2011 and acquired by the Dutch Libema Groep on March 23, 2012. Reopened as an aviation theme park in April 2012 and aircraft is currently on static display inside the hangar at Lelystad. These videos beautifully capture the June 7, 2008 and November 8, 2008 four-engine start-ups of the aircraft.
Additional aircraft information

N548GF (53-548) EC-121T Purchased by the Yanks Air Museum from the Wayne Jones estate in December 2005. Restored at Camarillo, CA during spring 2006 in anticipation of a ferry flight to the Yanks s facility at Chino Airport. Additional corrosion work on outer wings mandated by FAA and this was completed in May 2007. Aircraft flown to Chino Airport on January 14, 2012 for static display at the Yanks Air Museum. Here's a video of her landing at Chino on January 14th.
Additional aircraft information

N6937C L1049H Suffered a failure of the #2 engine during an engine run-up at Kansas City on July 20, 2005. Engine replaced and all four engines operational in July 2007. Aircraft and crew certification issues being addressed by the Airline History Museum.
Additional aircraft information

N9463 (48-610) VC-121A Columbine II - After being stored at Marana Regional Airport (Avra Valley Airport) since May 2003, the aircraft was purchased by Karl Stoltzfus (Dynamic Aviation) in May 2015. Made airworthy and successfully completed flight from Marana to Dynamic Aviation's headquarters in Bridgewater, VA on March 21-23, 2016. Work will continue at Bridgewater including restoration of the VIP interior and a cosmetic restoration of the exterior. Karl plans on flying the aircraft on the airshow circuit after completion of the restoration.
Additional aircraft information

N422NA (48-613) VC-121A Bataan - On display in good condition at the Planes of Fame Museum annex at Valle, AZ where it was flown to in early 1995. For quite a number of years the engines were run at a regular basis. Sold to Lewis Air Legends in April 2015. They announced that they plan on restoring the aircraft and flying it on the airshow circuit. Ferried Valle, AZ - Chino, CA January 14, 2016 for restoration. First post-restoration flight on June 20, 2023.
Additional aircraft information


N1206 L749 Stored at Salina, Kansas since 1967, this historic aircraft is being made airworthy during the summer of 2016 by owner Gordon Cole. Restoration efforts paused and aircraft remains stored in good condition in Salina.
Additional aircraft information


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----Created 13 November 2008---Updated 25 June 2023----